An expectant mother recently joined my moms’ group and asked that age old question. “What do I need?”
Advice flew in: onesies, diapers, more diapers, no, really, more diapers. Different suggestions followed regarding car seats, strollers, Bumbos, and Ergos. But there were a few things missing.
So I thought I’d share.
1. Team of Nannies: There is nothing more valuable to a new mom than a team of nannies – even if said nannies come in the form of visiting mothers, your mother-in-law or random church members who happened to stop by to leave you a casserole. Hand them your bundle of joy and go take a shower or nap.
2. Personal Shopper: When your retired neighbor across the street offers to pick something up at the store, hand her a list and a blank check. (Note: Be sure that your retired neighbor’s previous profession was not embezzlement or armed robbery.) Don’t shrug it off with a, “Thanks anyway, but I’ll go later.” Later never arrives.
3. Therapist: Whether it’s your mom, your best friend or an online forum, you need someone to listen to you talk about your gifted infant who can already gurgle and is soon to become an opera prodigy, remember to watch for signs of glazed eyes. At which point, offer the listener a cookie.
4. Chef: When people ask, “What can I do to help?” Reply, “Can you make a meal?” Daily or even weekly deliveries of homemade meals are manna from heaven. Not only is it one less night to think about food, but could actually provide lunch the next day. And, when those meals are dropped off, see Number 1.
Do you have anything else to add to the list?
